A Place Called Heaven DevotionalSample

Motivation for Effective Living

Knowing that our future is secure in heaven ought to motivate us to live effectively for God on earth. That was certainly true of the Old Testament saints such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Sarah. 

Notice what Hebrews 11:13 says about these men and women of faith: “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” These men and women were focused on the future country God had planned for them, and that future country motivated them to live obedient lives.

The same was true for the apostle Paul. He understood that his citizenship was in heaven, yet he was on earth to fulfill God’s will. In Philippians 1:21, he wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” He was saying, “It works out for me either way. As long as I am living, I will do what He wants me to do. But if God decides to take me, it will be better for me.” 

Paul went on to say, “I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake” (vv. 23–24). Paul wanted to go to heaven and be with God, but at the same time, he wanted to stay and fulfill the ministry God had for him on earth.

Focusing on heaven reminds us of the brevity of our lives on earth. Both of my parents died at a relatively young age, and while I certainly miss them, one of the benefits of their early departure was reminding me of how brief our time here on earth is. It is over in a moment. Focusing on heaven shapes our perspective that life here is short. May we allow Christ to work through us as our understanding of life’s brevity influences how we shape our days.

Life’s brevity can certainly feel like a challenge especially with our desire to live a fulfilled and long life. In light of this challenge, how can you focus on heaven while remaining effective on earth?

Prayer: Lord, it is hard to live between two worlds—as a citizen of heaven and a citizen of earth. Help me focus on my future in heaven while being effective on earth until You call me home with You.